Islamabad: Rising tobacco and nicotine use among Pakistan’s youth, especially around educational institutions, emerged as the central concern at a national review session on tobacco control held by the Aurat Foundation in Islamabad.
Participants from Parliament, government departments, health organizations, and civil society warned that easy availability of cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and flavored tobacco near schools is creating a growing public health threat. The discussion also pointed to a noticeable increase in tobacco use among women, indicating a shifting trend.
The session called for stronger legislation, faster policy action, and strict enforcement to counter the rapid spread of emerging nicotine products. Speakers emphasized that existing laws remain poorly implemented due to procedural delays, weak monitoring, and limited coordination between federal and provincial bodies.
The need for clear parental awareness, community engagement, and better recognition of new nicotine products was highlighted as an essential part of early prevention. Officials noted that families and schools often remain unaware of modern products marketed to young people.
Technical briefings identified major enforcement gaps and policy loopholes that allow the tobacco industry to expand its reach. Participants noted that companies are increasingly using social media trends, entertainment content, and youth-focused marketing to promote vaping in urban areas.
Government representatives reaffirmed ongoing federal efforts to implement the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 and to tighten regulations where required. Provincial representatives also announced plans to introduce new resolutions to strengthen tobacco control.
Education sector officials raised alarms over the rise of nicotine products around private institutions and called for tougher regulatory checks. Regulatory authorities stressed the need for a broader social movement to counter tobacco use nationwide.
Closing the event, the Aurat Foundation reiterated its commitment to evidence-based advocacy, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term public awareness initiatives aimed at building a healthier, tobacco-free society.ABU DHABI: A book on Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence titled as “The Security Imperative – Pakistan’s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy”, authored by Ambassador Zamir Akram, Pakistan’s former Permanent Representative to United Nations in Geneva and Conference on Disarmament was launched during a ceremony organized by embassy of Pakistan in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ambassador Akram is an illustrious diplomat and has served at various multilateral and bilateral diplomatic assignments during his career spanning over more than three decades.
The representatives of diplomatic corps, academia and think tanks attended the event.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi appreciated book’s contribution in highlighting Pakistan’s security imperatives in the context of South Asia’s strategic stability and need to maintain a credible minimum deterrence.
Ambassador Zamir Akram underscored that Pakistan’s pursuit for nuclear deterrence stemmed from urgent security concerns rather than aspirations for prestige or great power status.
He emphasized that the book offered an insider’s perspective on how Pakistan’s diplomatic finesse facilitated the development of its nuclear deterrent capability. The event concluded with question-and-answer session. — INP
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